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The MMA MMA heavyweight champion Jon Jones is withdrawn from the competition, UFC president Dana White announced on Saturday.
Jones is considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
White says Jones informed the promotion of his decision to retire on Friday. Under Jones’ retirement, Tom Aspinall is now the undisputed heavyweight champion. Jones retires with a 28-1 file.
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Jon Jones reacts after defeating Stipe Miocic in a title of heavyweight of the mixed martial arts of the UFC 309, early Sunday November 17, 2024 in New York. (AP photo / Adam Hunger)
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said at a press conference in Azerbaijan. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the UFC heavyweight champion.”
Jones went from the light heavyweight division in 2023, winning the vacant heavyweight championship on Ciryl Gane. Jones then defended the belt during a third round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November.
Jones was a free-speaking supporter of President Donald Trump in the past year.
Jones interpreted Trump’s signature dance after his victory against Miocic in November.
Presidency of Trump “positive for the world,” said UFC president Dana White
“A big, thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” said Jones, who sent the crowd of the Madison Square garden to a frenzy.
Jon Jones, on the left, combat Stipe Miocoic in the heavyweight combat during the UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. (Images of Brad Penner-Imagn)
Then Jones used the energy of the crowd to start a “USA! USA!” song, for which they have happily joined.
Jon Jones reacts after defeating Stipe Miocic in a title of heavyweights of the UFC 309 Martial Arts on Sunday, November 17, 2024 in New York. (AP photo / Adam Hunger)
“I am proud to be a big American champion. I am proud to be an American Christian champion,” added Jones.
That night, Jones even walked to the place where Trump was at the edge of the ring with Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, the sons Don Jr. and Eric, Kid Rick, Vivek Ramaswamy, singer Jelly Roll and others and held her UFC title belt.
